Non-Surgical Relief for Elbow Instability in Pittsburgh
Regenerative Orthopedic Solutions Using PRP and Bone Marrow Concentrate
If your elbow feels unstable, loose, or like it might give out when lifting, pushing, or throwing, you may be dealing with elbow instability—a condition often caused by ligament injury or chronic overuse. At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we offer non-surgical, image-guided treatments using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow concentrate (BMC) to help strengthen ligaments, restore stability, and support long-term joint integrity.
What Is Elbow Instability?
Elbow instability occurs when one or more of the ligaments responsible for stabilizing the joint become stretched, partially torn, or weakened, leading to a sensation of the joint slipping, shifting, or giving out.
Common Types of Elbow Instability:
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Instability — Common in baseball pitchers and overhead athletes
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injuries — May lead to posterolateral rotatory instability
- Radial Head Subluxation/Dislocation — Often due to repetitive stress or trauma
Common Symptoms
- Sensation of the elbow "giving out" during motion
- Pain when pushing, lifting, or rotating the forearm
- Clicking, popping, or catching in the joint
- Weakness, especially during throwing or pushing off surfaces
- Decreased velocity or control for athletes
- Visible shifting or instability with movement
What Causes It?
- Acute trauma (fall, dislocation, fracture)
- Repetitive stress from sports or work (gymnastics, baseball, weightlifting)
- Incomplete ligament healing after injury or surgery
- Connective tissue disorders or joint hypermobility
- General ligament laxity or degeneration over time
Ligament damage may result from a single injury, prior dislocation, repetitive overuse, or inadequate post-surgical healing.
Conventional Treatment Options
Most treatment plans begin with:
- Rest, bracing, or taping
- Physical therapy for stabilization
- Anti-inflammatory medications or cortisone shots
- Surgical reconstruction (e.g. Tommy John surgery) for full tears
While surgery is sometimes necessary, it comes with months of rehab, activity restrictions, and surgical risks. Many patients—especially those with partial tears or laxity—can benefit from regenerative care first.
Regenexx Pittsburgh’s Regenerative Approach
We offer advanced, image-guided procedures that promote natural healing of ligament tissue using your body’s own biologics:
01
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Uses platelets from your own blood
- Promotes collagen repair and reduces inflammation
- Effective for partial tears, laxity, and chronic strain
- Performed under ultrasound guidance for pinpoint precision
02
Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
- Harvested from your own bone marrow
- Contains regenerative cells, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory molecules
- Ideal for more advanced or non-healing ligament injuries
- Used when PRP is no longer sufficient
All procedures are performed by board-certified physicians using Regenexx protocols developed over 100,000+ procedures.
Meet Your Physicians
Dr. Jesse Sally, DO
Board-Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Fellowship-Trained in Interventional Orthopedics, 10+ years of experience with regenerative joint care
Dr. Paul Lieber, MD
Board-Certified in PM&R; member of the Interventional Orthopedics Foundation
Dr. Marc Adelsheimer, MD
Board-Certified in Pain Medicine and PM&R; advanced ultrasound and fluoroscopy training
All are Regenexx-trained and have performed hundreds of image-guided regenerative procedures.
What to Expect:
Initial Consultation & Diagnostic Imaging
Initial Consultation & Diagnostic Imaging
In-Office Procedure
In-Office Procedure
Recovery Timeline
Recovery Timeline - Mild soreness for 2–7 days
- Gradual return to activity over 4–6 weeks
- Supportive rehab or bracing may be recommended
Expected Outcomes
Expected Outcomes - Most patients experience improved stability and function within 4–8 weeks, with continued healing over 3–6 months.
Treatment Comparison
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
Physical Therapy |
Non-invasive, helps build strength |
May not address tissue damage |
|
Cortisone Injections |
Fast pain relief |
Doesn’t heal ligaments; may weaken tissue |
|
PRP |
Biologic healing, no surgery, low downtime |
Not usually covered by insurance |
|
BMC |
Higher regenerative potential |
More costly, used for more advanced cases |
|
Surgery |
May restore function in full ruptures |
Invasive, long rehab, surgical risks |
Scientific Evidence
Podesta et al. (2013)
- PRP showed 88% return-to-play rate in athletes with UCL injuries.
Centeno et al.
- BMC injections demonstrated ligament tissue improvement in joint instability cases.
Ahmad et al.
- Review of biologics showed PRP and BMC promoted soft tissue healing in ligament injuries.
We follow evidence-based protocols aligned with orthopedic literature and updated medical guidelines.
Potential Risks and Limitations
Regenerative treatments are low-risk, but not without potential side effects.
Common Side Effects:
- Mild soreness or stiffness at injection site (15–20%)
- Temporary swelling or bruising
Rare Risks (<1%):
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve irritation
When It May Not Work:
- Full ligament rupture (may still require surgery)
- Severe systemic health issues
- Uncontrolled autoimmune or bleeding disorders
Are You a Candidate?
You may benefit from regenerative treatment if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with ligament sprain, laxity, or partial tear
- You’ve experienced instability after injury or surgery
- You want to avoid Tommy John or LCL reconstruction surgery
- You’re an athlete, tradesperson, or active adult seeking long-term function
- You’ve tried bracing, PT, or cortisone with limited success
Real Patient Stories from Pittsburgh
I tore my UCL during a lifting injury. PRP at Regenexx Pittsburgh got me back in the gym within two months—no surgery needed.
— Marcus G., South Hills
Years of gymnastics left my elbow unstable. After BMC treatment, I’m coaching again without fear of dislocation.
— Ellie R., Wexford
The Research Behind Our Approach
Regenexx regenerative techniques are informed by decades of clinical research. Here are just a few examples:
Mishra et al., 2014
Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for chronic tennis elbow: a double-blind, prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of 230 patients
Peerbooms et al., 2010
Positive effect of an autologous platelet concentrate in lateral epicondylitis in a double-blind randomized controlled trial: platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injection with a 1-year follow-up
Why Choose Regenexx Pittsburgh?
Regenexx-certified regenerative medicine protocols
Board-certified, orthopedic-focused physicians
Image-guided injections for accuracy and results
Trusted by local athletes and active professionals
Trusted by local athletes and active professionals
Convenient to Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebanon, Cranberry Township, Wexford, and beyond
Call Our Office
(412) 963-6480
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PRP or BMC restore elbow stability?
How soon will I feel results?
Is surgery still necessary in some cases?
Are these treatments covered by insurance?
Can I be treated after surgery?
Ready to Feel Strong and Stable Again?
Regenexx Pittsburgh offers regenerative solutions that support true ligament healing—not just symptom relief. No scalpels. No months of downtime.
Call Our Office
(412) 963-6480
